When to plant Beets in Sutter County, CA
Sutter County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Plant Beets between February 11 (after last frost on March 4) and March 4. A second sowing from October 1 to October 15 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Beets in Sutter County, CA
Your June game plan for Sutter County, California
Welcome to June in Zone 9b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
Beets are a dual-purpose root vegetable with edible roots and nutritious greens. They come in red, golden, and striped varieties and are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Sutter County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.
At an elevation of 484 feet, Sutter County receives approximately 21.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Beets during the growing season.
Sutter County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Beets Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Sutter County
How your county's soil matches Beets's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.7) overlaps with Beets's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Sutter County is excellent for Beets — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Beets.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Beets.
How to Plant Beets
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Beets
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 01.
Beets Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Beets
Beets needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Beets Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 1.4" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.5" | 0.6" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 0.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 0" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 0" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 0.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 0.9" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 1.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sutter County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Beets Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Beets Planting Timeline — Sutter County, CA
Beets Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 11 | Feb 11 – Mar 4 |
| Harvest | April 8 | Apr 8 – May 6 |
| Fall Sowing | October 1 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 4" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
267 days in Sutter County
Growing Tips for Beets in Sutter County
Direct sow Beets outdoors after March 04 in Sutter County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Soak seeds overnight before planting to improve germination. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart. Harvest roots when 1.5-3 inches in diameter for best texture.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from Swiss chard — same species, they will cross.
Beets in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Beets in Sutter County, CA?
Sutter County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Beets planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sutter County, CA?
Sutter County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.
When should I plant Beets in Sutter County, CA?
In Sutter County, CA, plant Beets after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sutter County, CA for Beets?
Sutter County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Beets grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Beets grow in Sutter County's climate?
Yes — Beets grows well in Sutter County's temperate climate. Sutter County averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 26.
Your Sutter County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sutter County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.